The Y has played an integral role in Nic Samson’s life, offering both a foundation for his early years and a supportive space for his adult pursuits. Nic’s story with the Y began in Gloucester, Massachusetts, and has evolved into a meaningful part of his routine at the Greater Burlington Y.
From his earliest memories, Nic recalls visiting the YMCA with his dad to learn how to swim. He fondly remembers, “Some of my first memories are of swimming with my older brother and younger sister with my parents at the YMCA in downtown Gloucester.” This initial connection laid the groundwork for his deep-seated appreciation of the Y’s role in his life.
Fitness and Friendship
Throughout his childhood, the Y offered Nic various activities. “It served the purpose of a summer camp at Camp Spindrift,” he reflects. Throughout elementary and middle school, he played pick-up basketball, eventually joining the Y-Ball league in his first year of high school. Although he only played for one year, the experience was valuable and formative. “My friends and I started going to the Y to play basketball or use the gym, with the Y being central to our hangouts,” he notes.
His family’s move to Connecticut introduced him to a new Y in Granby. Despite the change in scenery, the Y continued to be a familiar and comforting presence. He maintained his gym routine, although it was not until he moved to Burlington in 2021 for his undergraduate studies at UVM that his relationship with the Y took on a new dimension. He became a member of the Greater Burlington Y in the summer of 2023, creating that connection for himself that his parents had created for him during childhood.
Pursuing Wellness Inside and Out
During Nic’s time at UVM, his passions shifted towards outdoor activities like backpacking and rock climbing. While these interests kept him active, he found a renewed focus on gym workouts over the past year and a half. “What pushed my interest in the gym was a newfound appreciation for my general health and well-being,” he explains. His motivation was driven by a desire to be the healthiest version of himself, leading him to commit to regular visits to the Y.
Living close to the Greater Burlington Y made it a natural choice for Nic’s fitness journey. He appreciates the convenience and familiarity of the facility. “I very much enjoy working out and being active which helps keep me motivated,” he says. His commitment to the gym is part of a broader lifestyle that includes a mix of activities, but he aims to be at the Y at least five days a week. “I do try and be active every day rotating through my varied hobbies, ideally aiming for five days a week at the Y,” he notes.
Nic’s dedication to the Y has had a positive impact on both his physical and mental well-being. “I believe my physical and mental well-being has improved dramatically,” he shares. The Y has become more than just a place to work out; it’s a community hub where he encounters familiar faces and friendly smiles daily. “I see friends there daily and have come to recognize many friendly faces who are also regulars there,” he adds.
The YMCA has been a constant and supportive presence in Nic’s life, evolving with him from his childhood in Gloucester to his current life in Burlington. Its role in his journey underscores the enduring impact of community-centered organizations in fostering connection and well-being.
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